Unlock the Unique Sound of Wheel: Breaking Free from Tool Comparisons and Embracing Their True Identity
Wheel bandleader James Lascelles recently revealed in an edition of Prog that the band’s fourth album has taken a heavier and weirder direction than its predecessors. This promise has not disappointed fans, as the album dives into the concept of Charismatic Leaders, exploring various personalities from media oligarchs to politicians and beyond.
Since their 2021 album Resident Human, Lascelles has observed the increasing influence of such figures on society, which has fueled his blend of fascination and hatred towards them, shaping the emotional turbulence of the record. The album kicks off with the hyper-aggressive track Empire, targeting the Rupert Murdoch dynasty with a powerful and intense delivery.
Transitioning into the second track, Porcelain, Wheel showcases a more intricate and less metallic style of songwriting, featuring clean guitars with a deep, blooming tonality and Lascelles’ mesmerizing vocals juxtaposed against a rattling bassline. While the band has often been compared to Tool in the past, their unique sound shines through in Charismatic Leaders, with hints of their musical lineage interwoven into a more expansive and original sonic landscape.
Caught In The Afterglow sets the stage with eastern acoustic guitars before the band unveils their most ambitious play yet with The Freeze, a haunting track that captures the feeling of helplessness while witnessing disaster from a distance. Submission follows suit, delicately building up with the rhythm section enhancing its ethereal atmosphere.
The title track, Charismatic Leaders, is an epic journey that takes listeners through dynamic shifts and emotive lyrics, solidifying Wheel’s position as a progressive force in the music scene. With each song, the band showcases their musical prowess and storytelling abilities, culminating in a profound and impactful listening experience.
Charismatic Leaders is a bold statement from Wheel, cementing their place as a formidable musical act with a distinctive sound and thought-provoking themes. The album is now available for purchase, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the captivating world crafted by this Anglo-Finnish trio.
